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Posted on Fri, Dec 23, 2011 : 6 a.m.

Fly fishing fun doesn't end with winter weather

By Tom Teague

Take heart, fly fishing enthusiasts. While winter may dampen your ardor to don waders and enter the stream, there are many opportunities to learn more about the sport in the weeks ahead.

Winter Stonefly Search

The Huron River Watershed Council is seeking volunteers to help with the annual Winter Stonefly Search on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012. If you’re interested in some winter stream scouting, and learning more about stoneflies, the council provides information and registration information here.

The 2012 winter stonefly search is part of a long-term river study; volunteer registration closes Jan. 20.

Fly tying classes

Schultz Outfitters resumes the popular Bar Flies series on Wednesday Jan. 4, 2012 at the Dexter Pub with Capt. Kevin Morlock tying Midwest Carp Flies. The doors open at 7 p.m., and the class begins at 7:30. Bar Flies will continue every Wednesday through March.

Colton Bay Outfitters begins an intermediate fly-tying class on Jan. 10, 2012 at the store, 4844 Jackson Road. Class participants will learn to tie six flies. The cost of the four-week class is $100.

Looking ahead

Go grab that new 2012 Calendar and start circling dates.

The Great Lakes Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers is hosting the Fourth Annual Fly Tying Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012 in Wyoming, Mich. Sponsored by the Grand River Fly Tyers, the celebration will feature 30 Midwest fly tiers . The event will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall. You can learn more at the GLCFFF website.

The Michigan Fly Fishing Club will present the 34th Midwestern Fly Fishing Expo, Saturday, March 10 and Sunday, March 11, 2012 at the Macomb Community College Sports & Expo Center in Warren, Mich. The expo is a great chance to learn more about the sport and meet vendors, guides and tiers, try out some new equipment, and start to scrape the winter rust from your casting at the 100-foot casting pond.

Ann Arbor Trout Unlimited is planning its sixth annual Conservation Banquet for Thursday, April 12, 2012 at Barton Hills Country Club. According to the organization’s website, the banquet promises "fly fishing fellowship, fine dining and refreshments and . . . festive fundraising." The raffle prizes will include artwork, wine, dining opportunities, guide trips, and tackle and accessories. The AATU website includes information on tickets for the banquet and the raffle.

Just in case you need a break

While I want to feature local and regional fly fishing opportunities in this column, I’m also looking out for you by providing occasional excuses to escape the inevitable winter weather. This one is the 30th annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Feb. 17-19 in Charleston, S.C. The expo will feature daily fly fishing demonstrations. And if you’ve lived a good life, you can visit Charleston’s Hominy Grill or Magnolias Restaurant and enjoy real mother ship shrimp and grits.

Send me an email if you are tying unique flies, involved in activities related to local fly fishing, or even have a great Michigan fly fishing story to share.

Tom Teague is a local consultant, writer and fly angler. Beginning January 11, 2012, he posts every other Wednesday — more often if there’s news to share — in the Lifestyles section of annarbor.com. You may email him at tom@tomteague.com.